Former Dolphins Cornerback Reveals How the Colts Pushed Tua Tagovailoa into ‘Panic Mode’

INDIANAPOLIS — Former Miami Dolphins star and current Indianapolis Colts cornerback Xavien Howard had some strong words about Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa after the Colts’ decisive 33-8 victory on Sunday.

Howard, who was signed by the Colts last month, pointedly remarked on how the Colts made Tagovailoa uncomfortable during the game. “Once we took away his first read, it felt like panic mode set in for him,” Howard said. Tagovailoa was under pressure, resulting in quick decisions that led to mistakes.

Indeed, Tagovailoa struggled with two interceptions, one thrown to defensive end Laiatu Latu, who cleverly dropped back into coverage to confuse him. Another turnover came when nickel cornerback Kenny Moore II blitzed and forced a fumble. The game was a tough outing for Tagovailoa, who posted a career-low 2.7 QBR, a stark contrast to his usual performance.

It was Tagovailoa’s seventh game with three or more turnovers since he joined the league in 2020, a statistic that raises eyebrows. Only Trevor Lawrence from Jacksonville has more during that period. The Dolphins failed to score until late in the fourth quarter, highlighting the challenges they faced throughout the game.

Howard wasn’t the only one observing Tagovailoa’s struggles. Latu echoed Howard’s assessment, noting that Tagovailoa appeared flustered at times. This reaction isn’t surprising, especially considering the pressures quarterbacks face in crucial moments. History shows that young quarterbacks often take time to develop resilience against pressure, and Tagovailoa’s experience seemed to reflect that ongoing learning process.

Last season, Howard found himself out of the NFL after being released by the Dolphins in February 2024. Returning to face his former team added extra motivation for him. “I barely slept the night before, knowing I would play against my old team,” he shared. He played 32 snaps and recorded a key fumble recovery, eager to prove himself again after the Dolphins let him go.

With a season still young, the performance of both Tagovailoa and Howard will be closely watched. As teams adjust their strategies, the dynamics of pressure and response become critical. Tagovailoa’s ability to improve will be key for the Dolphins moving forward. For Howard, this game served as a strong comeback story, showing that hard work can lead to redemption.

Experts suggest that practices focusing on decision-making under pressure could benefit quarterbacks like Tagovailoa. As the season progresses, it’ll be intriguing to see how both players develop and adapt to the challenges ahead.

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